2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 865 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 62 involved a crash and 18 involved a fire. 30 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 6, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.
Campaign 14V300000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assistAug 15, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed. In the affected vehicles, the pump may not activate, resulting in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist.
A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.
Campaign 13V360000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 24, 2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 13V023000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsOct 31, 2012
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 12V522000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingJun 22, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. ATTACHMENT WELDS FOR THE FUEL TANK STRAP SECONDARY BRACKETS MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
THE FUEL TANK COULD COME LOOSE IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR MISSING WELDS. IF THE VEHICLE IS MISSING WELDS, DEALERS WILL SECURE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS WITH FASTENERS. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER AT 1-866-694-6546.
Campaign 12V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJun 22, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 31, 2012. SPILLED OR DRIPPING OIL (SUCH AS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE) MAY COLLECT IN THE ENGINE SHIELD (BELLYPAN) NEAR HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SYSTEM SURFACES. AS A RESULT, THE OIL AND THE ENGINE SHIELD MAY IGNITE AND BURN.
EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ENGINE SHIELD TO PREVENT FLUID FROM CONTACTING THE SHIELD. ALSO, ON VEHICLES WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, DEALERS WILL APPLY A PROTECTIVE TAPE TO THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WIRE HARNESS. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER AT 1-866-694-6546.
Campaign 12V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 3, 2026
My breaks do not work in reverse. Pump valve seems to be bad
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2024
The check engine light keeps coming up after I buy gas in it and when I take it to Autozone for diagnose it keeps saying engine coolant which I just changed. After a while the light disappears but comes back when I fuel it.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 21, 2024
Runs like the black stallion with a stud of a hide [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2024
Car is leaking coolant from unknown area.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 10, 2023
The car's theft deterrent is not able to be turned off and is causing the car to stop working. I was driving my car on the highway and all of a sudden it completely shut off. I had it towed home. I replaced the battery and it worked for a short period of time but then shut off again. My mechanic states that the theft deterrent is getting triggered. We replaced the battery, fob battery, and checked everything it could possibly be with no luck. The car is too dangerous to drive and has caused missed work and loss of income.
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2023
Car dies while driving down the highway. Power steering and brake will not work. Has to be placed in park and then restarted. Mechanic has looked at it multiple times and has not been able to reproduce the problem.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2023
I reported on May 14 2023 incident 11521891 at Geiger Road near USPS building the fact there might be a tracking device on my Chevrolet Cruze or now I believe there is a concerted effort to target me to control information or assets. I am in no legal disputes but some harassers are using their "old style harassing" techniques and it has now carried over into the State of Idaho. I notified today the DMV office in the state of Idaho asking how standard license plates are assigned. My move to the state of Idaho was successful -- it was handled by Bekins Northwest and I am looking forward to enjoying this beautiful state. There is harassing signification to the standard license plate assigned to me [XXX], title no [XXX] and I am awaiting my license plates. I have directed a question to the DMV office in the state of Idaho mentioning that this license plate will be brining some further harassment. I can address this in a court of law; it involves Bekins Northwest and a representative who arrives during the initial move estimate. Why was I assigned license place [XXX] here in the state of Idaho? I have spent a great deal of money to move here and it is just another harassing maneuver. I will address this in a court of law should you in the Department of Transportation see a problem with license place [XXX] -- it reminds me of U-Haul trucks out of Reno, Nevada and I did not use a U-Haul truck out of Reno, Nevada. This is targeted victimization and harassment and the individuals who are doing this should be held accountable. It is now involving government employees and government agencies. I have asked the DMV office in the state of Idaho how I was assigned [XXX] as a standard license plate? I await their response and I also mentioned that they should forward to the attorney general in the state of Idaho. It is frustrating when these individuals perpetrating the harassment do not care how much it costs taxpayers individuals when this harassment occurs. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2023
I believe there is a GPS tracking device associated with the electrical components of Sirius/Onstar still active in my car. I had my radio removed at a Chevrolet dealership in Raleigh, North Carolina (6/30/2015); because it appeared that this Sirius/radio/onstar component installed by the manufacturer was causing distractions; allowing tracking and harassment while living for less than 8 months in Raleigh, North Carolina. There was a continuous buzzing noise that emanated out of my apartment on the first floor of the [XXX] apartment complex and somehow it was connected with some computer equipment I had. I ditched my computer equipment, Microsoft operating system; some other harassing events occurred orchestrated by the blacks in Raleigh; The radio was disconnected at a Raleigh dealership (2015) and the buzzing noise ceased until the last several weeks when I was driving towards the United States postal service Airway Heights post office near one of the only highway islands, Geiger Road, in the Spokane area. I know there are many islands located in the state of Idaho but the state of Washington does not have that many. Geiger road intersection near the United States post office Airway Heights does have an island and this is where an incessant buzzing noise (just like I experienced while living at the [XXX] apartments in Raleigh, N.C.) loudly started to sound. This is somewhat of a sparsely populated area of Washington; however, it was a major distraction while I was driving and there were no other Apple devices on in my car at the time. I had shut off my Apple iPhone, placed it in the trunk of my car next to the spare tire -- the Apple device was shut off). A black man in his old cadillac(maybe Cadillac) arrived behind my car at the post office)I investigated to see if there was a GPS tracking device planted on my car. This activated some type of "black power" working out of Chevrolet, General Motors. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2023
UNKNOWN. My 2012 Chevy Cruz sits most of the time in my driveway as I drive a second vehicle. Unbeknownst to me, this vehicle has been completely consumed by mold and upon further research on the internet, i discovered that other GM owners have had similar issues with mold. I have owned other vehicles that have sat for long periods of time in my driveway and have NEVER had an issue with mold. I don’t know the exact date that this issue started. All I know is that I looked inside the vehicle last week to jump the battery and found it consumed with mold. Based on the comments of other owners, this appears to be a defect with GM vehicles ranging from the Silverado to the Impala and the Cruz. Owners should not be forced to pay to rectify this s horrible issue or to be out of money when told to salvage their cars.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 13, 2022, crash
When the ac on the brake pad will lock and there no brakes you can't push it down it gets hard but when you turn the ac turns off the brake pad goes back to normal but it's damage to be driving and this happen .. Also the trac control light comes on along with the sailablzie light
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2022
Hi my name is [XXX] I am calling about the Cruze ,everytime I come to a complete stop and go my car do a jerk. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 11, 2022
The temperature gauge never shows the hand even get to half on the hot cold fail however the car could have no coolant and be 400 degrees the sail will Or reflect so. This has caused many probable s bc I can’t tell when it over hears it’s mezwwzs the comupeter
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2022
It is unknown exactly as to why this is happening but it has happened on more than one occasion. I was at a red light and when the light turned green I pushed the gas but my car wouldn’t drive, I was stuck in the middle of the road. This put me in significant danger as I was on a very busy road with a speed limit of 55. I had to jump out of the car onto the road and run to a side walk as I was afraid someone would crash into me had I stayed in the car. I then had to call the police to block off the lane where my car was so that no one driving on the road would get into an accident. There were NO warning signs at all making this situation even worse because had I been warned I would’ve at least been able to pull over safely. I took it to my mechanic and he thought he fixed the issue I got it back and it did the same exact thing a couple days later. My mechanic says he doesn’t know what else to do. I’m waiting for an appointment at the dealership.This car should seriously be recalled because I looked this issue up and many other people unfortunately have experienced the same exact thing with their 2012 Chevy Cruze shutting off in the middle of the road at a traffic light.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2022
Cruze has been omitting an odor when the heater is engaged. The fumes create headaches, burning to the eyes, and general sick feeling. This physical reaction has been experienced by both adults and underage passengers. We have taken our cars multiple times to the Chevrolet dealership, but they continual cannot find anything. We have had this car since 2015 and have been in and out of the Chevy dealership regarding this problem; they cannot identify cause.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2022
Steering fades , blinkers go out, stability trac goes in and out. Radio goes on and off. Radio sometimes stays on after car is shut off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 3, 2021
The problem I have is a very, very common problem and a huge safety issue to my life or anyone with the same car within around 2011 to 2015. The cheap plastic levers for the mode actuator for my defrost and vents do not work. They have broken and this I barely have any heat coming out of the front vents and absolutely none coming from the defrost. This is a huge issue and highly affects my driving in the cold and snowy, or even rainy, weather. I’m so upset there has not been a recall thus far. No one wants to spend 1000 dollars for a five dollar part when it’s not their fault that the levers are faulty! This is Chevrolets and thus, GMCs problem. My safety is highly threatened when I can’t defrost the ice nor the fog over my windshield meaning I cannot see!! I scrape it and as soon as I drive it gets worse I had to pull over today because I couldn’t see at all! It’s scary and not okay! Please admit to the mistake and fix the problem. Please!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2021
The vehicle will start to smoke, filling the cab with smoke with a strong smell of antifreeze causing occupants to become sick to the stomach and dizzy. This will occur unrelated to speed and operating temperature, and has happened multiple times.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2021
IT KEEP SAYING A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMP BUT IT STAY IN COLD N I GOT COOLANT SENSOR RADIATOR SENSOR ALL FIXED N IT KEEP SAYIN THE SAME STUFF IT'S GIVING ME A HEAD ACHE WEN I GO FOR LONG DRIVES TO MALL OR STORE IT POPS ON
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2021
THE OIL COOLER NEEDS REPLACED. IT IS SOMEHOW LEAKING. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE CARS, THAT ARE THE SAME AS MINE, THAT HAVE COME INTO THE SAME DEALERSHIPS THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. IN THE LAST WEEK, ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS SAID 14 PEOPLE CAME IN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2020
THE VEHICLE HAS HAIL DAMAGE WHICH CAUSED IT TO BECOME A SALVAGE TITLE WATER PUMP LEAKING ANTIFREEZE WHICH HAS A RECALL ON IT AND CHEVROLET WILL NOT HONOR RECALL ONLY HAVE 112000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I KEPT THE CAR INSTEAD OF SELLING IT TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY I HAVE PUT ABOUT $4000 IN REPAIRING TURBO CHARGER MANIFOLD RADIATOR AND LINE MANIFOLD AND THE LIST GOES ON.. FOR HAIL DAMAGE WHICH MADE IT A SALVAGE TITLE THAT I'M REFUSED A RECALL
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 22, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THROWING 4 CODES. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP DID CONTACT US TO INFORM US THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING BAD. CHARGE TO FIX 835.00. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL RECALLS REGARDING WATERPUMPS HOWEVER MY VIN DOES NOT SHOW A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2020
WHILE DRIVING, A SUDDEN ONSET OF DANGEROUSLY STRONG SMELLING VAPOR / FUMES EXPELLED THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM CAUSING ADVERSE REACTION TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. HAPPENS WHILE HEAT IS ON, BUT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS USED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 21, 2020
PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED ANTIFREEZE AND WATER LEAKS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 17, 2020
MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL AND MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. AFTER I FILLED UP THE GAS TANK ONE DAY THE CAR JERKED AND THE ENGINE LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF. I'M NOT SURE WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON IT WHEN APPARENTLY THESE CARS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THESE ISSUES. JACK MAXTON TOLD ME SOME GEAR BROKE INSIDE MY TRANSMISSION. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2020
SEAT BELT NO LONGER WORKS. IT IS NOT PULLING OR RETIGHTENING LIKE IT SHOULD. NOT SURE HOW OR WHY. I RARELY HAVE ANYONE IN THE BACK SEATS. IT'S THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE.